There is nothing like abandon in our laws or constitution. So SCORK advisory clearly is only applicable as per 138 - in case of death or say suddenly a candidate doesn't qualify- become bankrupt or says Raila become insane or incapacitated or get jailed for more than six months.
Withdrawal can only happen 3 days after nomination - that period lapsed long time ago in May/June.
Raila is attempting to withdraw two weeks to election - clearly outside the time limit prescribed for withdrawal. IEBC on their own should make the decision - with SCORK advisory, their reading of the law and constitution. If they have any doubt - they can always go back to Supreme Court for more clarification.
But for them to use SCORK 2013 non-binding advisory to refuse to conduct election is stretching it too far.
So I expect IEBC to either
1) Dismiss Raila withdraw as outside the presribed time limit & proceed to hold elections as ordered by the constitution before 1st Nov
2) Seek court advisory on what happens when candidate withdraws after fresh election ordered btw petition and winner
Common sense is to wait first for Mativo rulling on Aukot case.
1) If Aukot get back - then proceed to hold elections btw him and Uhuru.
2) If Aukot fails to come back - then ask SCORK to decide if we need to hold election or not - it would be waste of money to hold a farcical election with one candidate running - so see if Uhuru can be declared elected Un-Opposed and kaboom sworn in.
How I look at it
Supposing the candidate abandoned/withdrew before nane nane. What happens? Do we have fresh nominations? Of course not. He and his party forfeits the ticket.
Why would it be any different AFTER invalidation?
But death before or after disenfranchises the supporters h nce the need for nomination.
What to watch today is whether the direction of the court can be applied in retrospect